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Wednesday, October 11, 2017 FOOTBALL Muharram 21, 1439 AH Iceland, Serbia GULF TIMES clinch World Cup spots SPORT Page 3 MOTORSPORT Al-Attiyah powers to fourth world cross-country title The Qatari, driving a Toyota Hilux, won the series in 2008, 2015 and 2016 and gave Toyota a second successive series win with his eighth victory of a dominant 2017 campaign with French navigator Matthieu Baumel

FOOTBALL Cahill’s extra-time winner dashes Syria’s World Cup dreams to be continuing moving forward as Australia to take well.” on either US, Cahill scored Australia’s opener in the 13th minute but it was not until Honduras or 96 minutes later that he notched up his 50th international goal to keep Panama in a alive his country’s hopes of a fourth successive appearance at the World play-off for a Cup fi nals. It made for another nerv- spot in Russia ous night for Australian fans as the Socceroos once again failed to fi nd a Reuters way to get the scoreboard to refl ect Sydney their dominance. “We always fi nd a diffi cult way to do things... but we got through, I im Cahill scored an extra- think we deserved to get through,” time winner to keep Austral- Australia coach Ange Postecoglou ia’s World Cup hopes alive said. “Timmy was Timmy, that’s why with a 2-1 win in the Asian he’s the greatest ever.” qualifyingT playoff yesterday which The Syrians made the perfect start dashed war-torn Syria’s fairytale bid in the sixth minute to cancel out Aus- to reach the fi nals for the fi rst time. tralia’s away goal advantage from the Syria fought right until the end 1-1 fi rst-leg draw. Tamer Haj Moha- of the 120-minute match and Omar mad dispossessed Mark Milligan in al-Somah could have secured their midfi eld and he fed al-Somah, who passage on the away goals rule at the outpaced the Australian defence and death, only for his brilliantly struck planted the ball high into the net with free kick to hit Mat Ryan’s right post his left foot. and bounce away. The Asian champions were back on The 3-2 aggregate victory sends terms in 13th minute when Mathew the Socceroos into an interconti- Leckie broke down the right and de- Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and co-driver Matthieu Baumel celebrate their World Cup success in Morocco yesterday. nental playoff in November against livered a pinpoint cross that 37-year- the fourth-placed team in North old Cahill headed home. Australia and Central America and Carib- dominated the remainder of the fi rst By a correspondent Results Erfoud, Morocco bean (CONCACAF) qualifying with half, with Syrian skipper Zaher Med- a World Cup spot on the line. The ani blocking a Cahill shot and goal- 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu United States, Panama and Hondu- keeper Ibrahim Alma denying James verdrive Racing’s Nasser Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 10hrs ras, the three teams who could pro- Troisi and Leckie. Saleh al-Attiyah made sure 39min 34sec vide the opposition, were playing Alma again had to be at his best of a fourth FIA World Cup for 2. Sébastien Loeb (FRA)/Daniel Elena (FRA) their fi nal qualifi ers late last night. to stop a fi erce Rogic strike from the OCross-Country Rallies title in Peugeot 3008 DKR 10hrs 47min The Syrians had battled the odds edge of the box after 70 minutes and stunning fashion by clinching his fourth 29sec @7.55 to even get into the playoff , having the Celtic midfi elder curled a shot outright victory in a rain-aff ected OiL- 3. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Colsoul been forced to play all their “home” just wide of the far post from the ibya Rally of Morocco, the 10th and pe- (BEL) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 11hrs matches in Malaysia because of the ensuing corner. Once al-Mawas was nultimate round of the FIA World Cup for 09min 12sec @29.38 civil war in their own nation. With- sent off for a second foul on Aaron Cross-Country Rallies. 4. Joan Roma (ESP)/Alex Haro (ESP) Mini out fi ve fi rst-choice players through Mooy four minutes into the fi rst pe- The Qatari, driving a Toyota Hilux pre- All4 Racing 11hrs injury or suspension, they also had to riod of extra time, it appeared only a pared by the Belgian team, won the series 09min 19sec @29.45 play most of extra time with 10 men matter of time before the Australians in 2008, 2015 and 2016 and gave Toyota 5. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin after midfi elder Mahmoud al-Mawas would break down the already weary a second successive series win with his Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini Cooper Countryman was dismissed for two yellow cards. visitors. eighth victory of a dominant 2017 cam- 11hrs 22min 59sec @43.25 “I think (it might have been diff er- Robbie Kruse fi nally carved out the paign with French navigator Matthieu 6. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Marton ent) if we had stayed with 11 players decisive chance in the 109th minute Baumel. (POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 11hrs and hadn’t had that red card and not when his perfectly weighted cross to While the Frenchman claimed his third 36min 08sec @56.34 hit the post at the end,” Syria coach the far post found Cahill, who headed world title, the duo had to fi ght hard to Ayman Hakeem told reporters. “I am the ball into the top left-hand corner overcome a fi erce early challenge from Standings after round 10 (unoff icial): very proud of my boys with what they of the net to the delight of the major- multiple WRC champion Sébastien Loeb continued his run of stunning form with Toyota its rear wheels and the Frenchman 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) have achieved so far and that’s going ity of the 42,000 crowd. over a six-day event where large chunks a crushing opening time of 8min 38sec, incurred the customary 100hrs in time 300pts of the competitive route were cancelled which enabled the Qatari to storm into a penalties, plummeting to 41st overall. 2. Jakub Przygonski (POL) 191pts because of fl ooding. Al-Attiyah’s winning lead of 31 seconds and gave him the op- The second selective section looped 3. Aron Domzala (POL) 114pts margin was 7min 55sec and gave him an portunity to choose the most favourable around Erfoud for 354.45km and includ- 4. Khalid al-Qassimi (ARE) unassailable lead of 109 points in the FIA starting position for the fi rst of the longer ed a passage through the notorious Erg 105pts World Cup with one event remaining. desert selective sections between Fèz and Chebbi, but the route also included an “This was a hard-earned victory and Erfoud. Domzala was ninth, Van Merk- impassable and fl ooded wadi that claimed Domzala, Ten Brinke and Van Merk- a very important one for me and the steijn 14th, Ten Brinke 16th, Chabot 19th, some of the leading riders and the NPO steijn held eighth, 15th and 16th overall. whole team,” said a delighted al-Attiyah, Munk 22nd and He Zhitao was 27th of the decided to stop the competitive action at He Zhitao and Munk were 27th and 28th, who had already claimed outright wins 43 fi nishers. PC1, after 150km. but Chabot’s earlier time had moved him this season in Dubai, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Al-Attiyah started fourth behind Car- Al-Attiyah claimed the fastest time down to 40th. Two selective sections Spain, Hungary and Poland. los Sainz, Joan Roma and Mikko Hirvo- after Sainz was penalised and, therefore, of 191.56km and 263.51km had origi- Overdrive Racing managed seven Toy- nen for the long liaison and the opening reduced Loeb’s overall lead to 5min 02sec. nally been planned for day four from Erg otas in Africa’s only round of the series. selection section of 272.8km. Multiple Domzala, Ten Brinke, a resurgent Chabot, Lihoudi to Erfoud, but the day was short- Aron Domzala teamed up with fellow WRC champion Sébastien Loeb claimed and Munk were sixth, 11th, 15th and 18th. ened again to just 170m because of fl ood- countryman Maciej Marton and fi nished the quickest time and moved into the lead Van Merksteijn dropped around 10 min- ing. Al-Attiyah claimed the stage win sixth overall, the result lifting the talented with a time of 3hrs 41min 52sec, as Al-At- utes in 22nd and He Zhitao was 36th. with a time of 1hr 46min 38sec and that young Pole into third in the FIA World tiyah slipped to second position with the Rain and fl ooding forced race offi cials to enabled the Qatari to move 6min 42sec Cup standings behind al-Attiyah and Ja- third quickest time. shorten the third Marathon stage to Erg in front of a struggling Loeb and snatch kub Przygonski. Domzala, Van Merksteijn, Ten Brinke Lihoudi and teams only tackled the sec- the outright lead. Overdrive teammates The action got underway with a 12km and Munk held eighth, 16th, 20th, 23rd ond 142.79km section of the day. Al-At- Domzala, Ten Brinke, Munk and Zhitao super special stage around 40km from overall. He Zhitao completed the stage in tiyah beat Loeb by 1min 16sec to trim the held sixth, 11th, 25th and 26th overall, but Australia’s Tim Cahill heads ball to score a goal against Syria in Sydney Fèz on Thursday (October 5). Al-Attiyah 28th overall, but an accident cost Chabot’s Frenchman’s overall lead to 3min 46sec. Chabot remained down in 38th place. yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, October 11, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Tears in Damascus as Syria misses shot at World Cup spot Prospect of Syria qualifying for football’s biggest stage brought thousands of cheering fans into public squares and cafes

AFP Damascus

yrians in Damascus collapsed into tears of disappointment yesterday as their war-torn country’s hopes of qualifying forS its fi rst ever football World Cup were dashed during extra time against Australia. But in opposition-held ter- ritory, where some Syrians feel the national team has become a symbol of a government they despise, there were those who cheered Australia’s 2-1 win. The prospect of the Syrian team qualifying for football’s biggest contest brought thousands of cheering fans into public squares and cafes across government-held parts of the country, including the capital Damascus. Ex- citement had been building for days, and students lobbied to have lectures rescheduled so they could watch the game, which kicked off in Sydney at Syrians were left in tears and shock in Damascus after their team's loss to noon Syrian time. Australia in the World Cup qualifier played in Sydney. (Reuetrs) Vendors hiked prices for Syria kit as demand soared for the red, black and white strip of the national team, nick- named the Qasioun Eagles. Dana Abu Shaar, 18, skipped university classes to watch the match at a cafe in the capital. She was still clutching a national fl ag Trent Sainsbury of Australia (left) consoles Syria's Jehad Al Baour after World Cup football qualifying match in Sydney. (AFP) in her hand as she glumly contemplated defeat after Australia scored a crucial “heroes” despite their defeat. “You fans gather in cafes to watch the match. he could never support the “team of second goal in the second half of extra painted joy on the faces of all Syrians,” Khair Ali al-Daoud, 24, in the north- barrels”, referring to the barrel bombs time. “I was very excited and I expected the presidency said. western city of Idlib, got together with that Syria’s government is accused of the Syrian team to win, but now there’s Accountant Ramez Talawi, 29, 10 of his friends to watch the match — using against opposition areas. sadness and a lot of disappointment dressed in the team’s red shirt embla- and cheer on Australia. “I was watch- “Of course I was supporting Austral- because we had reached a point where zoned with the national fl ag, had taken ing the Syrian team’s matches because I ia. I don’t support the team of barrels, there was hardly anything between us a day off work so he could watch the wanted them to lose and I was support- as we call it, because if they won, they and the championships,” she said, her match. “The team managed to do some- ing all the teams that played against would have dedicated their win to As- voice cracking. thing that politics and men of religion them,” he said. sad, like last time.” “It’s not just about football,” she could not, which is to unify the Syrian Daoud was among thousands of Syr- “This is the team of a killer of chil- added. “The Syrian people needed people,” he said. “It’s the national team ians who evacuated the opposition- dren, and it doesn’t represent Syria,” this kind of joy, even if it came through and it united Syrians of all political held part of Aleppo city last year under said Khatib in the town of Jabal Za- sports. The Qasioun Eagles were hope opinions, loyalists and opposition.” a deal that saw the government take wiya in Idlib province. “I’m very hap- to us. This is a people that has lived But many in opposition territory full control after years of fi ghting. “I’m py that they lost, and don’t wish that seven years of war and was waiting for felt far from inclined to support the happy they’re out of the tournament... they ever, ever win.” But in Douma, an around the world. But we were sad also sents Syria,” he said. “If it represented joy, even if it came through a goal.” national team after some of its play- and God willing there will be a free Syr- opposition-held town near Damascus, because the regime politicised the issue the regime, we would have never sup- In the wake of the loss, Damascus ers dedicated their last win to Assad. ian team that represents all Syrians in residents were divided. “I was happy and presented the team as its own.” ported it, because the regime is mur- streets emptied and shops closed early. In Eastern Ghouta, a rebel stronghold all international matches,” he said. and sad at the same time,” said Youssef Ali Ibrahim, 30, said he was saddened derous and criminal. I was sad about President Bashar al-Assad’s offi ce is- outside the capital, there was no sign Qasim Khatib, 26, watched the game Shedid, 21. “If our team had won, Syr- by the defeat. “First of all, this team the match because the team wanted to sued a statement praising the team as of public support for the team, nor did on his phone with two friends, but said ia’s name would have been talked about does not represent the regime, it repre- raise the name of Syria.”

FOCUS ROUND-UP New generation sweeps Liverpool’s Mane out for six weeks iverpool forward Sadio Mane could of making it to next year’s World Cup in The North Korean youth team was due be out of action for up to six weeks Russia. to play in Australia next month in the after picking up a hamstring injury Scotland boast a proud footballing tradi- Asian Football Confederation champion- Egypt to World Cup on international duty, the club said tion but are still waiting for a fi rst major ship qualifi ers in a group that also included Lyesterday. A statement on the club’s website fi nals appearance since the 1998 World Cup Australia, Hong Kong and the Northern said he was substituted just before the end in France. But with no competitive action Mariana Islands. A spokesman for Football of Senegal’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in the diary until the new UEFA Nations Federation Australia said the qualifying over the Cape Verde Islands on Saturday. League kicks off next September, Scottish fi xtures were “now likely to be relocated “It has now been confi rmed that he Football Association chief Stewart Regan outside Australia” because the government picked up an injury during that fi xture believes SFA bosses can take their time had refused to grant visas to the North that could keep him out of action for up before deciding their next move. Korean team. to six weeks,” the statement said. Mane’s A board meeting is understood to be absence is a huge blow for Liverpool boss planned for later this week but Regan said MBAPPE NEEDS MORE GAMES TO Jurgen Klopp after the forward scored three there would be no “knee-jerk” reaction. SHINE FOR FRANCE, SAYS LLORIS goals in four Premier League appearances Teenage France star Kylian Mbappe simply this season. The injury is especially badly AUSTRALIA SAID TO BAR needs more matches under his belt to start timed for Klopp with Liverpool’s bitter NORTH KOREAN YOUTH TEAM shining on the international stage, accord- rivals Manchester United visiting Anfi eld The Australian government has decided ing to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Like the rest on Saturday. Liverpool are already seven to bar a North Korean youth football team of his teammates, Mbappe failed to impress points behind United in the Premier League from playing in a tournament in the country on Saturday in France’s crucial 1-0 win in and can’t aff ord to drop points against Jose in protest at Pyongyang’s nuclear pro- Bulgaria that kept their World Cup destiny Mourinho’s in-form United. gramme, public broadcaster SBS reported. in their own hands. Sane’s value to Liverpool has been im- “The government has decided to not Victory last night at home to minnows mense since his move from Southampton allow the North Korean U19 soccer team Belarus would secure their ticket to Russia in 2016, but he has struggled to stay fi t. He to enter Australia for the Asian Football 2018. And even though Paris Saint-Ger- scored 13 Premier League goals last season Confederation U19 Championship Quali- main forward Mbappe struggled in Sofi a, despite missing the whole of January due to fi ers,” Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in Tottenham’s Lloris believes he will come the Africa Cup of Nations. a statement. good. “He wasn’t inhibited at all, but he Liverpool won just once in seven matches “Hosting the team would be contrary needs to string some France matches to- in all competitions during his time away to the government’s strong opposition to gether,” said Lloris, the France captain. “It’s Egypt ended a 28-year wait by beating Congo, catapulting them back on to football’s biggest stage. with Senegal. Mane tore the meniscus in North Korea’s illegal nuclear and missile diffi cult to judge a player on his perform- a knee during April’s Merseyside derby development programmes,” she said. “It ance against Bulgaria. It was a battle, very AFP Known for agility and speed, However, the team will face against Everton which prematurely ended would also be inconsistent with our ef- tight. Kylian is still a young player, he has Cairo his transfer in June from Roma to tougher challenges next year in his season and required surgery. forts to increase diplomatic and economic time to reach his objectives, even though, Liverpool was estimated at be- Russia, according to Karim Said, They coped better that time, with fi ve pressure on Pyongyang to comply with UN already at 18, he’s able to make the diff er- tween 45 and 50mn euros. a sports analyst on the channel wins, two draws and a defeat. Having Security Council resolutions.” ence in big matches.” any of Egypt’s foot- “Mohamed Salah is the most ON Sport, and managing editor worked hard to get back to fi tness this term, ballers were not even important player of the team,” of the football website Yallakora. Mane was sent off at Manchester City on born when the Phar- said Khaled Baioumy, a sports “To face teams of that qual- September 9, resulting in a three-match aohs last played in a columnist and a regular guest on ity is totally diff erent from facing ban. Since his debut in August 2016 Liver- MWorld Cup, but the new genera- television sports programmes. African teams,” he said, adding pool average 2.2 Premier League goals with tion of young stars have steered “The quality of the current team the new generation must prove Mane in the team, compared to 1.6 goals in them to Russia 2018. Mohamed is comparable to that of Western they can form a solid team with a his absence. Klopp has signed Mohamed Salah, Ramadan Sobhi, and teams. Qualifying for the World good understanding on the pitch. Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since Ahmed Hegazy — all 26 or under Cup attests to that, but the com- Egypt’s previous greats, such the end of last season to add more depth to — helped end Egypt’s 28-year petition will be very tough,” said as Mohamed Aboutrika and Mo- his attacking options. wait by beating Congo 2-1 on Baioumy. hamed Barakat, knew each other Egypt winger Salah has scored six in 11 Sunday, catapulting them back Trained by Argentinean coach well having played together for games this season, making him the club’s on to football’s biggest stage. Hector Cuper, the team excelled the same club in Cairo, Al Ahly. leading scorer, but former Arsenal mid- The tens of thousands of fans at the 2017 Africa Cup of Na- But Said warned the current crop fi elder Oxlade-Chamberlain has been less who packed into the Borg El Arab tions, losing in the February fi nal of young players, with 44-year- impressive so far. Stadium in Alexandria had fallen to Cameroon after a seven-year old captain Essam El Hadary in silent in the 87th minute after absence from the competition. goal, could face communication SCOTTISH FA SAY NO RUSH Congo drew level at 1-1, a score- Standout 20-year-old Ra- problems because they play for OVER STRACHAN FUTURE line which would have at least madan Sobhi is developing at diff erent teams across Egypt, Eu- Scottish football chiefs said yesterday they delayed the home side’s qualifi - Premier League side Stoke City, rope, and the Gulf. will not rush into a decision over man- cation. But Liverpool midfi elder while Mahmoud Hassan, 23, “The current team does not ager Gordon Strachan’s future despite Mohamed Salah, 25, scored his nicknamed Trezeguet for his come from the same club, there yet another failure to qualify for a major second goal from a penalty deep likeness to the French veteran, is diversity, they are not togeth- international tournament. The Scotland into injury time, sparking jubila- and Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim, er,” he said. “And playing among boss is out of contract next month but is tion in the stands and parties on 23, known as Kahraba — “elec- a national selection is completely facing mounting pressure from fans to call the streets until the early hours. tricity” in Arabic — have also diff erent from playing in a club time on his fi ve-year reign after a draw with Sadio Mane injured his hamstring during Senegal’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over the Salah is the Pharaohs’ star man. shone in recent matches. where contact is constant.” Slovenia on Sunday killed off their hopes Cape Verde Islands on Saturday. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 11, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Iceland, Serbia clinch World Cup spots to make history Candreva grabs a second-half winner for Italy in a 1-0 victory away to Albania and will be the top seeds for the play-off

AFP their territory was a great result for us,” Ireland Paris manager Martin O’Neill said. “We are in the Iceland’s forward Johann Berg Gudmundsson (left) celebrates with play-off s. Whenever the draw is made we will teammates Birkir Bjarnason (centre) and Gylfi Sigurdsson after take our chance.” celand qualifi ed for the World Cup for the scoring against Kosovo in the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers in Wales manager Chris Coleman admitted the fi rst time after beating Kosovo 2-0 on Mon- Reykjavik, Iceland, on Monday night. (AFP) consequences of a fi rst competitive home defeat day night, while Serbia clinched a spot at in four years were tough to digest. “My players next year’s fi nals with a 1-0 win over Geor- have given everything but it wasn’t enough in Igia. Everton midfi elder Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jo- the end to get over the line,” he said. “It will hurt hann Gudmundsson scored in Reykjavik as Ice- for a bit but you learn from defeat and we will land, with a population of just 330,000, became learn from tonight.” the smallest country to advance to the World Asier Illarramendi netted the only goal in Je- Cup fi nals. rusalem as Spain completed their successful It is the tiny northern European island na- qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Israel, tion’s second successive appearance at a major while Antonio Candreva grabbed a second-half tournament after their shock win over England winner for Italy in a 1-0 victory away to Alba- in a surprise run to the Euro 2016 quarter-fi nals. nia in Group G. Italy will be the top seeds for the “I thought after Euro 2016 that the hardest November play-off s, the draw for which is made thing would be to motivate ourselves again,” said in Zurich on October 17. Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. “The hardest thing was to get going again WORLD CUP 2018 QUALIFYING after our massive party in France. And what’s RESULTS IN THE EUROPEAN ZONE more in a group contested between Croatia, Group D Turkey, Ukraine and Finland. The success is not At Chisinau: Moldova 0 Austria 1 (Schaub 69) an end in itself but a long journey towards a fi nal At Belgrade: Serbia 1 (Prijovic 74) Georgia 0 destination.” At Cardiff : Wales 0 Ireland 1 (McClean 57) Iceland needed all three points to secure top Group G spot in European qualifying Group I as Croatia, At Shkoder, Albania: Albania 0 Italy 1 (Candreva 73) who sacked coach Ante Cacic last week, downed At Jerusalem: Israel 0 Spain 1 (Illarramendi 76) Ukraine 2-0 in Kiev in the fi ght to claim sec- At Strumica, Macedonia: Macedonia 4 (Musliu 36, ond place. Andrej Kramatic struck twice in the Trajkovski 38, Bardhi 67, Ademi 69) Liechtenstein 0 second half to send Croatia into next month’s Group I play-off s as Zlatko Dalic took charge of his fi rst At Turku, Finland: Finland 2 (Arajuuri 76, Pohjanpalo match following the 1-1 draw with Finland that 88) Turkey 2 (Tosun 57, 83) prompted the dismissal of Cacic. At Reykjavik: Iceland 2 (Sigurdsson 40, Gudmunds- Aleksandar Prijovic scored after coming on son 68) Kosovo 0 as a second-half substitute to cement Serbia’s At Kiev: Ukraine 0 Croatia 2 (Kramaric 62, 70) place in Russia, ending an eight-year major fi - nals absence. Prijovic struck the winner on 74 minutes in Belgrade as Serbia fi nished top of QUALIFIED NATIONS Group D, with the Republic of Ireland heading (as of Monday night) to the play-off s after a 1-0 victory over Wales in Europe: Belgium, England, Germany, Iceland, Cardiff . Poland, Russia (as hosts), Serbia, Spain “I think we deserved this, although it turned Africa: Egypt, Nigeria out that the last step was the most diffi cult one, to score an important goal for the state,” he said. nents, without the injured Gareth Bale, into dream of a fi rst trip to the tournament since Asia: Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea but we succeeded,” coach Slavoljub Muslin said. James McClean broke Welsh hearts with a second place. Ireland remain on course for a 1958 turn to dust. North, Latin America: Costa Rica, Mexico Prijovic said the goal was the most important in thunderous 57th-minute strike to keep Irish fi rst World Cup fi nals appearance since 2002, as “The players were magnifi cent playing away South America: Brazil his career. “It was a dream since (my) childhood dreams alive as they leapfrogged their oppo- surprise Euro 2016 semifi nalists Wales saw their from home at a very good Welsh side. To win on

GARETH BALE AT CROSSROADS FOCUS AFTER WALES HEARTBREAK Manager O’Neill backs Republic of Cardiff , United Kingdom: A powerless specta- of Spanish football has further complicated tor as Wales’s World Cup dreams were crushed matters. by the Republic of Ireland, Real Madrid star Bale managed just 19 league appearances Gareth Bale has arrived at a crucial tipping last season as Zinedine Zidane’s men streaked Ireland to ruffl e play-off feathers point in his career. to the Spanish league title and has started only Sidelined by the latest in a succession of calf four times in the league in the current cam- AFP injuries, Bale could only watch forlornly from paign. In a snapshot of his diff iculties, he scored Cardiff , United Kingdom Ireland’s midfielder James the stands at Cardiff City Stadium on Monday a sublime volley on his last outing as Madrid McClean celebrates after night as Ireland’s 1-0 win gave them a World won 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions scoring against Wales in Cup play-off berth at Wales’s expense. League, only to then succumb to the 11th calf epublic of Ireland manager Martin the World Cup qualifier on Having turned 28 in July, and with his injury of his time in Spain. O’Neill fears “every single” potential Monday night. (AFP) fortunes tied to a country that last qualified for Compounding Bale’s situation is his uncom- opponent in the World Cup play- the World Cup in 1958, Bale has missed out on fortable relationship with Madrid’s fans. He off s, but after eliminating Wales, he thinksR few teams will want to face his side. his best chance of playing at football’s biggest became a firm favourite after his world-record event. He was the undisputed figurehead of move from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, his Ireland won 1-0 in Cardiff on Monday Wales’s successful qualifying campaign for Euro goals in the Copa del Rey and Champions courtesy of James McClean’s 57th-minute 2016 and then starred with three goals as Chris League finals helping him to engrave his name strike to take second place in Group D at Coleman’s side confounded every expectation in Madrid folklore in his very first campaign. Wales’ expense and secure one of the eight by reaching the semi-finals in France. But he has since become a target of the berths in next month’s European play-off s. But his injury woes have obliged other play- Bernabeu boo boys, who believe he has ben- Italy and European champions Portugal are ers to step up in recent months, with 17-year-old efited from favouritism and reproach him for among the teams Ireland could face, but af- Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn and Derby his failure to learn Spanish. “Bale is beginning ter becoming the fi rst opposition manager to County’s Tom Lawrence among the unlikely his fifth year at Madrid and he still finds it very prevail in a competitive game at Cardiff City players to have answered the Welsh call. diff icult to express himself in Spanish,” the Stadium in over four years, O’Neill was up- The loss to Ireland leaves Bale and the other former Madrid striker and coach Jorge Valdano beat. “I don’t think everybody would want to members of Wales’s “Golden Generation” con- said earlier this season. play us,” he told reporters. “Do I fear teams? templating the demotivating thought that Euro “Football is a game of mutual understanding. Absolutely. Every single one of them. I’ve 2016 may have been as good as it will ever get Isolation in the dressing room also becomes always feared teams. That’s the way to be. for them. Bale can at least console himself that isolation within the team. There is a big con- Then we go out and beat them. Or so I try. I once he has recovered from his latest injury, his nection between how you adapt socially and don’t think anybody would want to play Italy place in Coleman’s starting XI will be waiting for how you adapt on the pitch. And you must also or Portugal, although Portugal might beat nifi cent in the tournament for us, absolutely ing a new contract. There’ll be a conversation him, but the same cannot be said at Madrid. say that very few players have had the support, Switzerland (and qualify automatically). And magnifi cent.” now. There’s a friendly next month. My con- With three Champions League triumphs in from both the institution and the coaches, that there’s about six others I’d rather not have. Ireland’s goal followed good work by Jeff tract’s until the summer. We’ll see. the past four seasons, Bale is already arguably Bale has had,” he added. But I am delighted to be in it.” Hendrick, who charged down a clearance by “Right now I’m thinking about what we’ve Britain’s most successful footballing export, and Bale has received public backing from Zidane O’Neill played down the chances of injured Welsh skipper Ashley Williams and crossed just experienced. I want to go back with my yet he is under greater pressure at the Berna- and his teammates and is known to be a favour- pair Seamus Coleman, his captain, and Jon from the right for McClean to crash a fi rst- family and my friends, take a bit of time with beu than ever before. ite of Madrid president Florentino Perez’s. But Walters returning to fi tness in time for the time shot past Wayne Hennessey. Beaten my children. When the dust settles, we’ll see Isco exploited an ankle injury sustained he continues to be linked with a return to Eng- two-legged November play-off s, the draw manager Chris Coleman said he was “abso- where we’re going.” by Bale to move ahead of the Welshman in land with Manchester United and having seen for which takes place on October 17. He hailed lutely gutted” and predicted the nation would Already missing talisman Gareth Bale the pecking order last season and 21-year-old Wales’s fairytale three-year journey come to an the “character” of his team and heaped praise be “in mourning” after Wales fell short in their through injury, Coleman also lost key mid- Marco Asensio’s emergence as the new darling end, he now finds himself at a crossroads. upon West Bromwich Albion winger Mc- attempt to reach a fi rst World Cup since 1958. fi elder Joe Allen to a suspected concussion Clean, who had previously scored vital goals Coleman, who led Wales to a stunning before half-time, but he absolved Ireland’s in away wins over Moldova and Austria. “He’s semi-fi nal fi nish at Euro 2016, is out of con- players of blame. “I said before the game it just been magnifi cent,” O’Neill said. tract at the end of the current season and he would be physical. We certainly didn’t get “His energy — when you see James get- was evasive when asked if he might decide to disappointed,” he said. ting tired in a game with 10 minutes to go, stay on. “I can’t say right now about my fu- “But no complaints about their players or you realise the rest of the players must be re- ture because I’m not thinking about it,” he the physicality of it. It is what it is. Good luck ally tired because James just keeps going. But said. “There’s a chance I can, there’s a chance to them. They’ve won it and I hope now they it wasn’t that. His drive and determination that I won’t. I can’t give anybody an answer go on and qualify. All our players are all right. have been a trademark for us. He’s been mag- right now. It’s not just a matter of me sign- Joe’s had a bang on the head, but he’ll be OK.”

SPEEDY RECOVERY Aguero back in training aft er car crash London: Sergio Aguero gave The accident sparked fears lighted to learn Sergio Aguero Aguero, 29, is just one goal Manchester City a welcome Aguero could be out of action for returned to training on Tuesday short of Eric Brook’s all-time boost yesterday as the Argen- up to two months. But just 11 days morning,” a statement on the club record of 177 goals. City tina striker returned to training later he took part in light training club’s website read. “Though it midfi elder Fabian Delph also took following his recent car crash. at the club’s Eastlands complex was a light session with a City part in yesterday’s session having Aguero sustained a broken rib as he joined in training with the physio, the City star is expected recovered from a minor knock Injured Gareth Bale was a powerless spectator as Wales’s World Cup dreams were crushed by the when a taxi he was passenger in City players not away on interna- to gradually build up his fi tness sustained against Chelsea which Republic of Ireland on Monday night. (AFP) crashed on its way to Amsterdam tional duty. in the coming days as he edges forced him to pull out of the Eng- airport last month. “Man City fans will be de- towards a fi rst-team return.” land squad. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, October 11, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Qatar lose to Curacao Sadd, Rayyan to in friendly match face off in QSL Cup Sadd will be keen to open their account as they had lost to Markhiya in Round 1

By Sports Reporter Doha

n action-packed encounter is on Qatar lost to Curacao 1-2 in a friendly match played at the Jassim the cards when Al Sadd take on Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. The experienced Hassan Khalid Al Rayyan in a Group B fi xture al-Haydos gave Qatar the lead in the 28th minute but Curacao of the QSL Cup today. The con- struck back eight minutes later through Leandro Bacuna. cludingA Round two match will kick-off at Curacao’s winner came in the 70th minute after Elson Hooi the Al Khor Stadium at 5:35pm. found the net. This was Qatar’s second friendly after they beat The game was originally scheduled for Singapore 3-1 last week. Qatar’s interim coach Felix Sanchez made Monday but had to be postponed twice, numerous changes to the playing XI as he gave most of his fi rst to October 12th and was then moved players a run in the middle. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil up by one day. The fi rst change was eff ected by the Qatar Stars League Management in view of Al Sadd’s friendly against Turkish side Trabzonspor, which the Qatari side lost 1-2, on Sunday. Then, Al Rayyan had made a request that resulted in a second change in date. Going into the game, Al Sadd will be keen to open their account in the compe- tition as they had lost 0-2 to Al Markhiya in Round 1. Al Rayyan, meanwhile, will look to build on their 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in their opener. Al Arabi, Al Ahli, Umm Salal and Al Markhiya are the other teams in Group B, while Group A comprises Al Khor, Al Kharaitiyat, Qatar SC, Al Sailiya, Al Du- hail and Al Gharafa.

ARABI HOPE TO FIELD RAMADAN, MAARAFI AGAINST UMM SALAL Al Arabi are hoping to get the services of injured players Youssef Ramadan and Ab- dulla Maarafi for their forthcoming QNB Stars League Round four match against Umm Salal on Saturday evening at the Al Gharafa Stadium. Al Arabi coach Qais al-Yaaqobi had ex- cluded the duo from their QSL Cup game against Al Markhiya on Monday night. Ramadan, suff ering from a knee injury, had trained a day before the game while Abdulla Maarafi , recuperating from a sprain, had not joined the team practice. They both are expected to soon join team training ahead of the big clash. Al Arabi had defeated Qatar SC and Umm Salal put it across Al Ahli in the previous round of premier club competition in the country. Al Arabi are likely to resume prac- tice today evening. Syrian professional player Mardik Mardikian will join the squad after his national side’s World Cup Al Sadd-Al Rayyan game was originally scheduled for last Monday but had to be postponed due to Al Sadd’s friendly against qualifi cation Asian Zone play-off versus Turkish side Trabzonspor, which the Qatari side lost 1-2, on Sunday. Australia. Striker Youssef Ahmed is also likely to play against Umm Salal as he has Khalfan and Mohamed Muntari, who Al Duhail’s experienced defender Dame derwent a surgery in London. displayed a good level of performance at both were out injured for a long time. Traore, who was also recuperating from Al Duhail will now focus on their QNB team training sessions. Muntari had an injury lay-off for nine an injury, competed against Al Gharafa. Stars League home match against Al Ahli months. Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi Nasser Khalfan got hurt in a friendly on Sunday. Al Duhail are currently on top DUHAIL’S KHALFAN, fi elded both players in their QSL Cup during the team’s pre-season camp in of the QNB Stars League table with nine MUNTARI BACK FROM INJURY match against Al Gharafa, which they lost Austria while Muntari was out of action points, ahead of Al Sadd on goal diff er- Al Duhail got back the services of Nasser by a solitary goal on Sunday. since the end of last season when he un- ence.

QFA President meets English FA chief PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea expect Kante injury to rule him out of Crystal Palace trip

By Dominic Fifield The Guardian

helsea are waiting to assess the se- verity of a hamstring injury sus- tained by N’Golo Kante in France’s World Cup qualifying win in Bul- gariaC on Saturday but expect to be without the midfi elder and Álvaro Morata for Satur- day’s trip to Crystal Palace. Kante hobbled off in the 34th minute of the game in Sofi a, which France won 1-0, and was withdrawn from Didier Des- champs’ squad for last night’s fi nal group game against Belarus. The midfi elder, who has been nominated in France Football’s 30 contenders to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, hurt the hamstring in his left leg but has yet Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani met with Greg to return to Cobham, where he will assessed Clarke (right), chairman of The Football Association, on the sidelines of Aspire4Sport conference last by Chelsea’s medical staff . Kante would not week. The two off icials discussed wide-ranging matters relating to football and World Cup in general. expect to feature on Saturday and, with The two also discussed ways and means to develop football in the two countries. Matters relating Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fàbregas fi t, to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in Qatar, were also discussed. Qatar national squad often his absence could be tempered further by visits in England for training camps ahead of the key games. The QFA, it is understood, is keen to Danny Drinkwater’s return from a calf com- France’s N’golo Kante (left) got injured during the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria. (AFP) take advantage of the pioneering English football experience in various fields. plaint which has prevented him making his debut for the champions following his £35m group game next week. Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan on move from Leicester City. Chelsea top Group C after impressive vic- Sunday. The 24-year-old pulled up clutch- Chelsea have been encouraged by their tories over Qarabag and, most signfi cantly, ing his right thigh in the 36th minute of the assessments of the hamstring discomfort Atletico Madrid where Morata scored their match just before Azerbaijan scored their Morata experienced in the fi rst half of the fi rst goal. Antonio Conte is expected to select goal through Ramil Sheydaev and the coach, home defeat by Manchester City before the Michy Batshuayi – who scored the winner Joachim Low, later confi rmed he sustained a international window. The Spanish foot- as a substitute at the Wanda Metropolitano suspected muscle injury. ball federation initially suggested he would – in Morata’s place at Selhurst Park, where “With Mustafi it seems that it is some be absent for up to six weeks after its scans, Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be ineligible for muscle tear or some muscle fi bre tear,” Low conducted in Madrid, revealed a grade two the hosts. The England under-21 midfi elder said. “In any case it could force him to a hamstring injury. is on a season-long loan at Palace. longer break.” Any enforced absence would Yet Chelsea’s medics have carried out be a potential headache for Arsene Wenger tests and do not believe the injury is as se- ARSENAL DEFENDER MUSTAFI before Saturday’s trip to Watford, with Lau- rious as fi rst feared. Although Morata is ex- SUFFERS ‘MUSCLE TEAR’ rent Koscielny having pulled out of France’s pected to sit out the game at bottom-placed Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi is expected squad last week with an achilles injury and Palace, there are hopes he could feature at to be sidelined for some time after he was Calum Chambers yet to feature this season home to Roma in their Champions League forced to limp out of Germany’s 5-1 World due to a hip problem. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 11, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB NBA Sixers taking risk with Embiid; letting Astros and Dodgers him leave would have been riskier

By David Murphy son, but in 2016-17, Embiid The Philadelphia Inquirer showed us why he was worth advance in playoff s the risk on draft day. Despite averaging just 25.4 minutes ‘We felt like that we could win this series, but we knew it was going to be tough’ f you’re wondering how per night, Embiid scored 20.2 a team can justify giv- points and grabbed 7.8 re- ing $148 million over fi ve bounds and shot nearly 37 per- years to a player who has cent from 3-point range. Ibeen healthy enough to play He blocked 2.5 shots and just 31 games in the three years turned the Sixers into an elite since they drafted him, remind defensive unit whenever he yourself of the following: was on the court. When Joel Embiid was on Right, that phrase again: the court last season, the Six- when he was on the court. ers outscored their opponents There’s no getting around by an average of 3.3 points per it. The Sixers have just saddled 100 possessions. themselves with a consider- That’s the same point dif- able amount of risk. ferential that the Cavaliers Whatever the injury pro- posted, and a better one than tections built into the con- the Celtics. In fact, only six tract - there was no immedi- teams outscored their oppo- ate word on how much of the nents by more points than the $148 million is guaranteed, or Sixers did when Embiid was on the thresholds that trigger the the court. rest of the money - the Six- The contract extension the ers will still end up wagering a two sides agreed to on Monday considerable amount of future might be unprecedented, but payroll fl exibility that Embiid the player has a chance to be can stay healthy enough for his unprecedented as well. prodigious talent to matter. It might seem silly to think Keep in mind, though, the that a guy who can’t stay NBA is a league where centres healthy in his early 20s is going like Timofey Mozgov and Ian to age well enough to warrant Mahimini sign four-year, $64 the kind of salary-cap space million deals. Steven Adams that the Sixers will be devot- signed for four years and $100 ing to Embiid. But when the million this off season. Let Em- guy in question has a once- biid’s contract situation linger in-a-generation combination and there’s a potential future of body type and skill, when in which the Sixers not only he has the potential to make have to watch him play for an- you a contender in whatever other team, but also pay con- minutes he does log, then not siderable money to a far lesser signing him comes with con- player to replace him. siderable risks as well. Nothing about the situation This was the logic that Bryan is easy. One of the pillars of Colangelo’s predecessor used wisdom upon which the Six- when he decided to select Em- ers have based their rebuilding biid at No. 3 overall in 2014. process is that there is a radi- Yes, Embiid was probably go- cal scarcity of the kind of elite ing to miss his rookie season talent it takes to win an NBA while recovering from a foot title, and that a team must do injury. Yes, he’d already missed its utmost to maximise its op- the end of his lone college sea- portunities to acquire that tal- Houston Astros players celebrate after winning the game four of the 2017 ALDS playoff series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports son with a back injury. And, ent. In Embiid, they have in yes, the Sixers had drafted a big their possession that rarest of AFP run off Red Sox ace hurler Chris Bogaerts smacked his fi rst career Cubs take control double, and New York capi- man in the fi rst round the year players. It would’ve seemed at New York Sale - pitching in relief - to lead playoff homer, a solo blast in the Elsewhere, the World Series talized on shoddy defense by before. But Sam Hinkie decid- odds with the mission to risk off the eighth inning and Josh fi rst, for the Red Sox. champion Chicago Cubs gained Cleveland to even the AL Divi- ed that Embiid possessed the letting him walk away. Reddick delivered a two-out In Phoenix, rookie Cody Bell- the upper hand in their NL di- sion Series at two games apiece. kind of talent whose potential Yet it will take more than he Los Angeles Dodg- run-batted-in single later in inger homered and drove in two vision series with a 2-1 win over The decisive Game 5 is eclipsed whatever increase in the Sixers got from Embiid last ers and Houston Astros the inning off of Red Sox clos- runs, Yu Darvish pitched fi ve the Washington Nationals. Wednesday in Cleveland, where certainty the Sixers would have year to make this thing work. punched their tickets ing pitcher Craig Kimbrel that strong innings, and the Dodg- The victory put the Cubs up the Indians will be looking to gained by passing on him for a In many ways, he was the to the next round of the put the Astros up 4-3. The Red ers swept their way into the 2-1 in the best-of-fi ve series snap a fi ve-game losing streak in better known commodity. original piece of the process, TMajor League Baseball playoff s Sox gave disheartened, rain- National League Championship with a chance to close it out at elimination games. It took three years, and it as well as its self-appointed on Monday as the Dodgers swept soaked fans at Fenway Park Series with a 3-1 victory over the Wrigley Field on Tuesday. The Yankees will look to ral- lasted less than half of a sea- spokesman. Arizona and the Astros eliminat- a last glimmer of hope in the Diamondbacks in game three of Anthony Rizzo put the Cubs ly from a 2-0 defi cit to win an ed Boston in four games. bottom of the ninth when Ra- their series. ahead in the eighth inning with ALDS for the second time. The Astros rallied for a wild fael Devers led off the inning Bellinger and Austin Barnes a run-scoring single to shallow Yankees starter Luis Severino 5-4 victory over the Red Sox in with a drive to deep left centre homered off Diamondbacks centre fi eld. Cubs closer Wade (1-0) allowed three runs on four Boston on Monday to win the field. It bounced off the wall pitcher Zack Greinke while Ja- Davis pitched a scoreless ninth hits and a walk in seven innings, best-of-fi ve American League and gave Devers an inside-the- pan’s Darvish gave up one run to preserve the win. pitching most of the night with a division series three games to park home run. and struck out seven in fi ve-plus Nationals starting pitcher sizable lead. one. “We felt like that we could But it wasn’t enough as the innings. Max Scherzer held the Cubs hit- After getting one out on Oc- win this series, but we knew it Astros reached a league cham- Bellinger, the likely NL Rookie less for 6 1/3 innings before sur- tober 3 in the AL wild-card game was going to be tough,” said As- pionship series for the fi rst time of the Year, had 39 regular-sea- rendering a double to Ben Zo- against the Minnesota Twins, he tros manager AJ Hinch. since 2005 – when they were in son homers but was one-for-12 brist in the seventh. bounced back Monday to strike “We get out to a 2-0 (series) the National League. in the series before his opposite- Albert Almora followed with a out nine and throw 113 pitches. lead, and then you come to Fen- George Springer and Jose Al- fi eld homer made it 2-0 in the run-scoring single off of reliever way and it’s just a diff erent ani- tuve drove in one run each for fi fth inning. Sammy Solis that tied the game RESULTS mal. But our guys just stayed the the Astros. “I have been trying to hit it the at 1-1. Dodgers 3 Diamondbacks 1 course.” Andrew Benintendi hit a other way so it felt good,” said In the other AL series game, Astros 5 Red Sox 4 Astros infielder Alex Breg- game-tying two-run homer Bellinger. “We got to keep going Aaron Judge capped a four-run Cubs 2 Nationals 1 man belted a game-tying home in the fi fth inning and Xander and stay sharp.” second inning with a two-run Yankees 7 Indians 3

NHL Flames end regular-season losing streak in Anaheim

By Mike Coppinger tunities until the third period.” Ducks on the board for the fi rst time in Los Angeles Times Once again, it was John Gibson who 11 power-play tries this season. To be kept the injury-depleted Ducks in fair, the Ducks were great on their last the game with timely saves. Like the two chances, even if no pucks crossed he familiar No. 15 home sweat- sprawling stop he made on a streaking the line. Much of that was due to the er with the C stitched on the Sean Monahan with his left arm late in marvellous play of Smith, who made 43 breast was back on the ice, but the second. But moments later, it was saves for the shutout. it didn’t translate to more suc- Monahan again, who buried it on the It’s been the same story for three Tcess. Far from it. power play. games. The Ducks have held just one On a day where many Anaheim resi- The Ducks fi nally came alive on an lead this season, for 3:30 after a furi- dents were forced to evacuate their early third-period power play, but it ous rally lifted them to a 5-4 win in the homes because of wild fi res, the Ana- didn’t amount to anything against Mike opener. Slow starts continue to plague heim Ducks still had a game to play. But Smith, who was there to match Gibson’s them. they didn’t perform well in Ryan Get- strong play (Gibson stonewalled Matt “We created a lot more chances in the zlaf’s return from a lower-body injury. Stajan on a short-handed breakaway second half of the game vs. the fi rst half They looked good early, but it was attempt). of the game again and that’s been our short-lived and the energy quickly dis- They threatened and threatened, Achilles’ heel in these last three games,” sipated against a younger, faster Calgary but the air was sucked out of the arena said Carlyle. Flames team that fi nally earned a win in moments after the power play expired. “We haven’t had a start that we can Anaheim. Mikael Backlund tipped the puck away be proud of.” They were lucky to grab The 2-0 victory was Calgary’s fi rst from Getzlaf, out of the zone and fi nally a point against Philadelphia. And now, regular-season triumph at Honda Cen- over Gibson’s left shoulder after a nifty they have their fi rst regulation loss tre since 2004, and snapped a 25-game pass from Michael Frolik. of the season, and many more ques- losing streak at the arena, an NHL The boos rained down. tions for Carlyle to answer as the team record for consecutive home wins over Sure, the Ducks are hurting, but to wraps up a four-game homestand today an opponent (the Flames did top the be so thoroughly outhustled at home? against the New York Islanders. Ducks here in a 2006 playoff contest). Well, the boos only rang louder when a “There was some rust, obviously, two-man rush advanced on Gibson with RESULTS some passes I’d like back,” said Get- no defenseman between them (though a Flames 2 Ducks 0 zlaf, who was on the ice for 22:13 in his goal didn’t materialize after the Flames Avalanche 4 Bruins 0 season debut. “I don’t know if we did misplayed it). Blues 3 Islanders 2 (SO) a good enough job getting in there for Even a two-minute six-on-four Maple Leafs 4 Blackhawks 3 (OT) the second and third opportunities. We power play (Ducks coach Randy Car- Devils 6 Sabres 2 directed a lot of pucks at the net but I lyle pulled Gibson for the extra man Lightning 4 Capitals 3 (OT) don’t think we had any rebound oppor- with three minutes left) couldn’t get the Jets 5 Oilers 2 Calgary Flames celebrate after winning against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, October 11, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Trump for tax law changes for NFL over protests

Reuters be fi red touched off an initially sharp boycott. Washington response, including from some team In a separate Twitter post yester- owners and coaches. day, Trump excoriated Hill, saying The players’ silent demonstra- that with her “at the mike, it is no S president Donald Trump tion, which began last year in protest wonder ESPN ratings have ‘tanked,’ said yesterday the National against police violence toward ra- in fact, tanked so badly it is the talk of Football League should not cial minorities, was embraced more the industry!” be given tax breaks, wading widely in reaction to Trump’s more The NFL Players Association has backU into his criticism of the league recent comments, with more players defended players’ right to protest. over silent player protests during the taking the knee while others chose to Trump’s former Democratic rival national anthem. lock arms. in the 2016 presidential race, Hillary “Why is the NFL getting massive A number of Republican lawmak- Clinton, also backed the players, say- tax breaks while at the same time ers suggested in September that tax ing in a speech on Monday, “They are disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and sweeteners should end given the pro- protesting racism and injustice, and Country? Change tax law!” Trump tests, the Washington Post reported. they have every right to do so.” wrote in a post on Twitter. On Sunday, Vice President Mike Critics of Trump, a Republican, It was not clear what exactly Pence walked out of an NFL game have said he is fanning a controversy Trump was demanding, and repre- after some players knelt. Separately, over the national anthem at NFL sentatives for the White House did Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones games to distract from pressing is- not immediately reply to a request for said he would bench players who dis- sues his administration is dealing comment. respect the US fl ag. with, from a powerful hurricane that The NFL gave up its federal tax-ex- On Monday, cable sports network devastated Puerto Rico to tensions empt status in 2015, according to me- ESPN was drawn into the fray when with North Korea over its nuclear dia reports, although U.S. states and it suspended one of its broadcasters weapons program. localities still off er the multi-billion after she posted a tweet about the The First Amendment of the US dollar league tax breaks in order to at- protests and Jones’ comment. ESPN, Constitution bars the government tract teams and to fi nance stadiums. which is owned by Walt Disney Co, from limiting free speech, including Trump has been on a tear for weeks said it was Jemele Hill’s second viola- prohibiting protests around the na- against NFL players who kneel during tion of its social media guidelines. tional anthem or punishing people the national anthem played before Hill, who had said that those who who choose not to stand. The nation- games, saying the gesture disrespects rejected Jones’ comment should look al anthem is played before every NFL the country. His strongly worded call at the team’s advertisers, later tweet- football game and many other sport- last month for players who did this to ed that she was not urging an NFL ing events. Buff alo Bills players kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to their NFL game against the Denver Broncos.

NFL FOCUS Giants coach McAdoo’s future could be on line Late fi eld goal lift s By Bob Glauber more productive and didn’t Newsday put the defense in so many bad spots, but no excuses. A defense that was reliable and en McAdoo has sometimes dominant last sea- reached a critical son failed to hold fourth-quar- point in his career, ter leads the last three weeks. and how he handles What’s equally as troubling Vikings past Bears Bthis 0-5 mess very likely will as the losses is a lack of dis- decide whether he is truly the cipline, from the players and Keenum comes off the bench to complete 17 of 21 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown long-term answer. Or whether from McAdoo himself. He the job is simply too big for publicly criticised Eli Man- him and the Giants eventu- ning, a two-time Super Bowl ally need to consider fi nding champion, for his poor play in someone else. a loss to the Lions, while go- It is still too soon for the ing easy on Marshall and left front offi ce to come to a defi n- tackle Ereck Flowers, both of itive conclusion about McA- whom played worse than the doo’s viability, and a franchise quarterback. known for patience and delib- Before suff ering a season- eration is not about to make ending ankle injury Sunday, any rash moves. But make Beckham was once again in no mistake: With the Giants’ the spotlight for all the wrong season unravelling in spec- reasons following a touch- tacular fashion after an off sea- down celebration in Philadel- son fi lled with expectations, phia in which he imitated a McAdoo’s performance in this dog urinating. The back-page crisis will be a telling sign. As pictures were cringe-worthy, McAdoo himself said minutes and co-owner John Mara had after Sunday’s 27-22 loss to the to intercede by having a pri- previously winless Chargers: vate meeting with Beckham “You learn a lot about yourself in his offi ce. Engram also drew in times like these.” an unsportsmanlike conduct He’s right about that. And penalty for grabbing his crotch he’s about to learn whether after scoring a touchdown in he’s capable of keeping this Week 2 against the Lions. It’s a team from being torn apart, poor refl ection on the players, the way Tom Coughlin used but also the coach. to do on a regular basis when Now McAdoo is dealing times got tough. The early in- with another issue involving dications are not promising. one of his star defensive play- Start with the football part, ers. He was asked Monday on which has been abysmal. McA- a conference call whether he doo was given several impor- was troubled that cornerback tant new pieces to the off ense, Janoris Jenkins walked to the including fi rst-round tight end locker room in the fi nal minute Evan Engram, wide receiver of Sunday’s game. Brandon Marshall and tight “We’ll handle all those is- end Rhett Ellison. But instead sues in-house,” McAdoo said. of creating a more vibrant at- Asked whether he was tack and taking some pressure bothered that a player would off Odell Beckham Jr., the Gi- do that, McAdoo was silent. ants’ off ense wasn’t functional Jenkins left the locker room the fi rst two weeks of the season Sunday after dressing quickly, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum passes against the Chicago Bears during the second-half of their NFLgame at Soldier Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports against the Cowboys and Lions. and reporters saw Spagnuolo For a head coach who earned running after him. The Sports Xchange rookie threw an interception to McKinnon late in the third quar- ford in the end zone to give Chi- the campaign. Marshall went the job largely because of his Cornerback Eli Apple, a Chicago Vikings safety Harrison Smith ter. McKinnon burst through the cago a 2-0 advantage. down during the team’s 27-22 strong work as the Giants’ of- fi rst-round pick in 2016, had deep in Bears territory to set up right side of the off ensive line for Minnesota grabbed a 3-2 lead loss to the San Diego Charg- fensive coordinator in 2014 been playing so poorly that he the go-ahead score. his fi rst touchdown of the sea- on a 26-yard fi eld goal by For- ers on Sunday. Fellow receivers and 2015, it was a stunningly was benched for the fi rst three ai Forbath kicked a 26- Chicago (1-4) dropped its sec- son. Chicago evened the score bath with 1:02 remaining in the Odell Beckham Jr. (broken ankle) poor getaway. The last three series of Sunday’s game. Af- yard fi eld goal with 12 ond consecutive game. at 17 on a touchdown and a two- fi rst half. Vikings defensive end and Dwayne Harris (broken foot) games have been better, al- terward, Apple said he “wasn’t seconds remaining, Keenum rejuvenated the Vi- point conversion with 12:24 to go Everson Griff en set up the score were also lost for the year due to though not enough. The Gi- happy ... But it’s not just one lifting the Minnesota kings’ off ense. He opened the in the fourth quarter. Trubisky with a strip-sack in the red zone. injuries picked up in the game. ants still haven’t scored 30 or guy. It’s the whole culture, it’s KVikings to a 20-17 win over the second half with a 13-play, 75- spotted tight end Zach Miller in Bradford completed 5 of 11 Marshall wrote on his Insta- more points in a game since everything. We’ve got to fi x it.” Chicago Bears on Monday. yard drive that culminated with the end zone and fi red a 20-yard passes for 36 yards. McKinnon gram page that his 12th season in the 2015 season, when they did McAdoo has got to fi x it. Vikings quarterback Case a 13-yard touchdown pass to pass that defl ected off the out- produced 95 yards and a touch- the league was coming to an ear- it seven times. And if he doesn’t, if this team Keenum came off the bench tight end Kyle Rudolph. The stretched hand of Vikings safety down on 16 carries. (Editing by ly end. “Tomorrow I’ll have sur- McAdoo can’t be faulted continues to spin out of con- to complete 17 of 21 passes for play extended the Vikings’ lead Andrew Sendejo and landed in Peter Rutherford) gery ending year 12,” he wrote. directly for the mystifyingly trol at every level, then all the 140 yards and a touchdown. He to 10-2. A fake punt pulled the Miller’s hands. “I’m fi lled with mixed emotions. poor performance by coordi- good will he created in last replaced Sam Bradford, who Bears within 10-9. Punter Pat Moments later, Trubisky ran Giants lose Marshall to I wasn’t able to produce for my nator Steve Spagnuolo’s de- season’s 11-5 run to the play- struggled badly in the fi rst half. O’Donnell caught a long snap for a two-point conversion on season-ending ankle injury team the way I wanted to but fense, which hasn’t been up to off s will devolve into questions Minnesota (3-2) earned its and calmly lobbed a pass to Ben- a trick play that fooled the Vi- Brandon Marshall became the this was my greatest year to date. the standards of last season. It about whether he’s the right fi rst road win of the season. ny Cunningham, who spun off a kings’ defense. The Bears’ de- third New York Giants receiver This game has shown me who I would help if the off ense were man for the job. Bears quarterback Mitch- tackle and raced 38 yards to the fense recorded a safety to open to suff er a season-ending injury really am good and bad.” ell Trubisky completed 12 of 25 end zone. the scoring with 1:31 remaining on Sunday after he announced The 33-year-old had 18 catch- passes for 119 yards and a touch- Minnesota made it 17-9 on a in the fi rst quarter. Defensive he would undergo surgery on es for 154 yards and no touch- down in his NFL debut. The 58-yard touchdown run by Jerick end Leonard Floyd sacked Brad- his ankle and miss the rest of downs in fi ve games this season.

Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle dies at age 90 Y.A. Tittle, a Pro Football Hall of Fame home in California. Tittle played profes- born quarterback, born Yelberton Abra- older than his years, was the subject of an quarterback who played for the National sional football from 1948 to 1964, includ- ham Tittle on Oct. 24, 1926, played college iconic photo taken during his last season Football League’s San Francisco 49ers and ing 10 years with the 49ers and four years football at Louisiana State University. in 1964. It shows him on his knees, sitting New York Giants, has died at the age of with the Giants. He was named the most valuable player in on his ankles, without a helmet and bleed- 90, the 49ers said on Monday. Tittle died During his 1961-1964 tenure with the the 1947 Cotton Bowl in Dallas, a scoreless ing from a gash in his head after throwing on Sunday surrounded by his family, his Giants, he quarterbacked them to three tie with the University of Arkansas that be- a pass that was intercepted and returned former team said in a statement. It did not straight NFL championship games, all of came known as the “Ice Bowl” because of for a touchdown. Tittle, who was selected provide the cause of death. which the team lost. He won the league’s the harsh wintry conditions that included seven times to play in the Pro Bowl, the Sports cable network ESPN reported that Most Valuable Player award in 1963. snow and ice. NFL’s all-star game, was inducted into the Tittle died at Stanford Hospital near his Before turning professional, the Texas- Tittle, whose bald head made him look Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. Giants coach Ben McAdoo. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 11, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Rampant Wozniacki blasts past slumping Kyrgios blames Bouchard

AFP liams raced through her open- Hong Kong ing match 6-2, 6-2 against Japan’s Risa Ozaki in just 74 minutes. n-form Caroline Wozni- It was an ideal way for Wil- stomach bug for acki started the defence liams to shake off any rust in of her WTA Hong Kong her fi rst outing since losing Open title in rampant to Sloane Stephens in the US Istyle by blowing away Eugenie Open semi-fi nal a month ago. Bouchard 6-1, 6-1 yesterday. Williams punctuated the Wozniacki, seeded three performance with some and a recent winner of the Pan trademark power winners and Pacifi c Open in Tokyo, domi- sent down seven aces to over- Shanghai walkoff nated the fi rst-round match whelm the world number 95. as Bouchard was forced into a “Four weeks goes by pretty ‘My shoulder started to hurt in the practice, which didn’t help either, and once I lost the first cascade of errors. fast and the fi rst match is nev- Wozniacki never looked re- er perfect,” said Williams, who set I was just not strong enough to continue because I’ve not eaten much the past 24 hours’ motely in trouble against the dropped her own serve twice. former golden girl of tennis, “It was a hard-fought breaking her serve almost at match despite the score and it will, and cruising to victory in was a great way to start.” only 58 minutes. Williams, 37 but seemingly “It was a great start,” Woz- ageless, has enjoyed a mag- niacki told reporters. nifi cent season, reaching two “I feel like I played pretty Grand Slam fi nals to qualify well, tried to stay aggres- for the WTA Tour Finals in sive and tried to make her Singapore for the fi rst time feel pressured and it worked,” since 2009. added the world number six. The second seed faces an- “She never gave me a other Japanese opponent in chance tonight,” said a crest- Naomi Osaka in the second fallen Bouchard. round after she overcame For the Canadian, once the Chilean qualifi er Alexa Guara- poster girl for the future of chi 7-5, 6-4. women’s tennis, it was an- Fourth seed Agnieszka Rad- other chastening defeat as the wanska of Poland swept past 23-year-old rides the crest of local wildcard Zhang Ling 6-1, the biggest slump of her young 6-2 to set up a second-round career. meeting with former US Open It seems a world away from champion Sam Stosur. Bouchard’s breakthrough sea- “I’ve known Sam for many son of 2014 when her easy- years, although we didn’t play going personality and media for a while. I think it’s going to friendly appearances were be a really good match,” Rad- lapped up after she made the wanska said. Wimbledon fi nal and semi- Number one seed Elina Svi- fi nals at the Australian and tolina came through a tough French Opens while soaring to examination against Zarina fourth in the world. Dyas, eventually triumphing Three years on, her career is 6-4, 7-6 in one hour and 43 in freefall and she languishes minutes. The Ukrainian world at 78th having had just one number four trailed 3-0 to the run to a quarter-fi nal in 2017, player from Kazakhstan before on the Madrid clay in early reeling off fi ve games in a row May. Since a second-round with a succession of forehand exit at the French Open at winners and closing out the the end of May, she has won fi rst set 6-4. just two matches on tour and Sporting a heavily strapped it was easy to see why as she left thigh, Svitolina twice crumbled again. failed to serve out for the Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a return during his match against Steve Johnson of America at the Shanghai Masters in Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) “I really don’t want to look match in the second set at 5-4 back at previous years,” said a and 6-5 before securing the AFP A member of Kyrgios’s coach- hours.” both comfortable on their serves “Sick of this place.” disappointed Bouchard. tiebreak. Shanghai ing team told AFP in Shanghai – He will make a decision on and they went into the tie break After Johnson wrapped up the “I need to look forward and Fifth seed Elena Vesnina of where a year ago he was accused Wednesday as to whether he with signs Kyrgios was begin- set Kyrgios had enough, shaking try to get better than I am Russia suff ered the only up- of “tanking” in defeat and con- takes part in his doubles match ning to lose his cool. the hands of his opponent and now.” set of the fi rst round when ustralian fi rebrand sequently suspended – that the the same day with Frenchman He went 3-0 up in the tie the umpire - though not looking she was stunned 6-3, 6-4 by Nick Kyrgios apolo- world-ranked 21 had injured his Lucas Pouille. Kyrgios did look break but as Johnson pegged him him in the eye - and packing his Williams cruises Thailand’s world number 130 gised and said he had shoulder. in discomfort with his shoulder back he was irked by spectators bag and leaving. Second seed Venus Wil- Luksika Kumkhum. been unwell after he Hours later Kyrgios, whose early on in the match against the in the close-knit arena getting stormedA off court to loud boos undoubted talent has often been unseeded Johnson. up between points. Big guns primed midway through his opening betrayed by his quickfi re temper, But he seemed untroubled by “What’s happening here?” Another notable exit in match at the Shanghai Masters made a statement on Twitter the injury when they entered he asked, before muttering: Shanghai was the seventh seed Australian Open ‘top of yesterday. apologising and saying he was the tie break, but as in the fi nal “Exactly why I shouldn’t come Pablo Carreno Busta, beaten by Serena’s mind’, says organisers The 22-year-old issued a “gutted”. in Beijing, his temper soon got here.” fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos statement following his abrupt “I’ve been battling a stomach the better of him, after he was Kyrgios appeared to blame Vinolas. Also out was the Ameri- Australian Open organisers said they were hopeful of a stunning exit after losing the fi rst set 7/5 on bug for the past 24 hours and I angered by the unsettled crowd the umpire for failing to get the can Jack Sock after the 14th-seed return by new mum Serena Williams in January as they raised a tie break to the American Steve tried to be ready but I was really and the umpire. spectators in line and his after- retired against Ukrainian quali- the winners’ prize money to a bumper Aus$4 million (US$3.1 Johnson, having been docked a struggling on the court today, noon spiralled fast when he re- fi er Alexandr Dolgopolov. million) yesterday. Injured former world number ones Novak point for the second match run- which I think was pretty evident ‘Sick of this place’ ceived a point penalty. Fourth seed Marin Cilic was Djokovic and Andy Murray, along with Kei Nishikori and Stan ning because of his conduct. from the fi rst point,” he wrote. He began yesterday’s match “What is he doing? Is this nor- forced to fi ght, fending off Brit- Wawrinka, are set to be back in action in time for the season’s The ATP Tour is investigating “My shoulder started to hurt on his best behaviour but mal?” Kyrgios asked somebody ain’s Kyle Edmund 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). opening Grand Slam in January. Williams won this year’s Austral- and Kyrgios, similarly hit with a in the practice today, which showed a fi rst fl ash of irritation in the offi cial area of the arena, World number one Rafael ian Open while pregnant, and she has spoken of her “outra- point penalty in losing the China didn’t help either, and once I lost towards the end of the set, blast- where spectators and players are Nadal, Roger Federer and ris- geous” plans to play in Melbourne in 2018 – just four-and-a-half Open fi nal to Rafael Nadal on the fi rst set I was just not strong ing a ball out of the court after he in close proximity. ing star Alexander Zverev – the months after giving birth to her baby girl. Sunday, said he was “gutted” to enough to continue because disagreed with a call. “Poor offi ciating again,” Kyr- three top seeds – enter the fray Tournament director Craig Tiley said all 100 top men and retire against Johnson. I’ve not eaten much the past 24 Kyrgios and Johnson were gios complained, and added: today. women had confirmed they intended to play in Melbourne -which includes Williams, who is currently ranked 24th. He added that the 36-year-old’s mind was firmly fixed on the MOTORSPORT tournament, which coincidentally has the same initials as her daughter, Alexis Olympia. “Her baby’s initials are AO and she’s suggested she should also have her name on the 2017 trophy, so the AO is well and truly top of mind for her at the moment,” he said at the event’s off icial launch in Melbourne. “If anyone can do it, she can and I’m cer- tainly not counting her out of a return come January.” Qatar claim endurance racing title Tiley also told the Melbourne Age: “She wants to come back in 2018 and defend her title. Obviously, at training now, there is By Our correspondent several months to go. It will be up to her as far as where she is Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium with her fitness.” Some former stars have wondered whether the 23-time Grand Slam winner would be able to bounce back so soon after giving birth, and if she does, whether she will be able he Qatari team triumphed in the to regain top form. 12-hour world championship tour for endurance racing at the Circuit ‘I still pinch myself’ de Spa-Francorchamps motor rac- Roger Federer marked a stunning comeback from injury by Ting circuit in Belgium. beating old rival Rafael Nadal to win his 18th Grand Slam in an The trio of Abdullah al-Khulaifi , Mah- epic five-set final this year, while Serena beat her sister, Venus, moud al-Khalaf and Mansour al-Hajri fi n- in the women’s decider. Federer and Nadal ended up with two ished fi rst in the Cup 1 category after two major titles each this year, while the women had four diff erent gruelling days of racing. On the fi rst day champions – Williams, Jelena Ostapenko (French Open), Garbine of endurance racing, which lasted for three Muguruza (Wimbledon), and Sloane Stephens (US Open). hours, the Qatari team started from third “I still pinch myself. When I’m home sometimes, having a glass place but al-Khulaifi was at his best as they of champagne with my friends and family we say ‘this is for the fi nished the day top spot. On the second day, Australian Open, cheers’,” Federer said recently, according to an al-Hajri and al-Khalaf continued the good Australian Open statement. work and maintained fi rst place to emerge as “We’re still joking about it, it was a crazy moment in my life... winners after nine hours of racing. we couldn’t believe it, all the five-setters. The rivalry with Rafa, Around 48 teams took part in the cham- being down 3-1 in the fifth, it was disbelief. “I hope it’s going to pionship in diff erent categories. The Qa- be another dream, magical run where I can just enjoy the at- tar team participated in the championship mosphere and play for the people,” he added of the 2018 event. with the support of the Qatar Automo- Tiley said it was shaping up as a fascinating men’s tournament bile and Motorcycle Federation under the with Djokovic, Murray, Wawrinka and Nishikori all returning, but chairmanship of Abdulrahman bin Abdul with much lower world rankings. “I’m sure they are all inspired Latif al-Mannai. The al-Khulaifi was de- by what Roger and Rafa achieved here in January, and what lighted with the result, stressing that the they’ve gone on to achieve - splitting the Grand Slam titles be- competition was strong especially in dif- tween them this year,” he said. Whoever wins next year will walk fi cult climatic conditions. away with Aus$4 million, up from Aus$3.7 million last year. The “The rain put us under lot of pressure. total tournament purse has risen 10 percent to Aus$55 million. We followed a strategy for tire changes and This year’s US Open winners walked away with $3.7 million, it worked. Though we lost some time due while the French Open off ered 2.1 million euros ($2.5 million) to rain, we managed to take the lead and Qatar team’s Abdullah al-Khulaifi, Mahmoud al-Khalaf and Mansour al-Hajri celebrate on the podium of the 12-hour world champion- and Wimbledon paid out £2.2 million ($2.9 million). maintain it till the end,” he said. ship tour for endurance racing at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps motor racing circuit in Belgium.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Aussie batsman Khawaja reveals Five-wicket Perera racial abuse stars in Sri Lanka series win over Pak

This is Pakistan’s first series defeat at their adopted home in seven years AFP “The same type of men who Sydney would sledge me about my herit- age growing up,” he added. As he got older, he said Aus- ustralia batsman Us- tralia also grew up and “I started man Khawaja has re- to understand that the minority vealed he was racially of Australians who did treat me abused so much grow- this way were just that, a minor- ingA up that he refused to support ity”. the national side, and claimed “By high school I was a diehard “racism” once played a role in Australian team supporter. But, selections for the team. from a pathways perspective, the The 30-year-old, who immi- damage had been done. grated as a child, battled the odds “Not to me, but to some of the to become Australia’s fi rst Paki- other immigrant kids who po- stan-born national player and tentially could have gone on to is now established as one of the play for Australia. They chose country’s leading Test batsmen. not to pursue a dream because But it wasn’t an easy journey, of the negative experiences they and Khawaja wrote on the play- had endured.” ersvoice.com.au website that he At one point Khawaja was the was vilifi ed over his race from a only Asian fi rst-class player in young age, making him resent Australia, something he attrib- Australian sporting teams. uted to his strong-willed family. “Getting sledged by opposi- “It’s no surprise it has taken tion players and their parents Australia cricket so long for col- was the norm. Some of them said oured players to come through it just quietly enough for only me the system,” he said. to hear,” he wrote on the website, “There is no doubt racism and where sportspeople can air their politics played a large role in se- views. lections in the past. “It still hurt, but I would never “I’ve heard a few stories from show it. Most of the time it was past Anglo-Saxon players where when I scored runs. this seems to be the case. It “It is for this reason why so would just be the times that they many of my friends, most of lived in.” whom were born outside Aus- Khawaja said Australian tralia, didn’t support Australia cricket and society has come a in sporting contests. I didn’t ei- long way and it is now easier for ther.” cricketers from all backgrounds The abuse ultimately made to come through the system. him stronger, but Khawaja said But he is reluctant to take any it was an intimidating environ- credit for opening doors. ment to play the game he loved. “Maybe it was inevitable with He said he was brought up to the growing multicultural com- be humble and polite “but when munity in Australia. Maybe it I watched the Aussie team, I saw was a few friendly faces at the Sri Lankans celebrate after winning the second Test against Pakistan and along with it the series at Dubai International Cricket Ground in Dubai yesterday. men who were hard-nosed, con- highest level. We will never fi dent, almost brutish”. know,” he said. AFP SCORECARD ‘It was a tough series against India Dubai but we learnt a lot from it. The boys Sri Lanka 1st innings 482 (D. Karu- Wahab Riaz c Chandimal b Herath 1 executed the game plan really well Dean Jones named as interim Afghan coach naratne 196; D. Chandimal 62, D. Perera Mohamed Abbas not out 3 in this series. We knew when we ff -spinner Dilruwan Perera 58, N. Dickwella 52; Yasir Shah 6-184) Extras: (lb1, nb5) 6 came today that Dilruwan and Ran- Kabul: Former Australia long-term agreement after the fi nished with fi ve wickets to Pakistan 1st innings 262 (Azhar Ali 59, Total: (all out; 90.2 overs) 248 gana (Herath) would do the job.’ batsman and cricket commen- games,” it added. help Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by Haris Sohail 56; Perera 3-72, Herath 3-84) Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Aslam), 2-36 (Ali), tator Dean Jones will coach Jones said in a Twitter mes- O68 runs in the second Test in Sri Lanka 2nd innings 96 (K. Mendis 29; 3-49 (Sohail), 4-52 (Masood), 5-52 (Azam), guide them to the winning target after Afghanistan in their upcoming sage that he was happy to lead Dubai yesterday and take the series 2-0. Wahab Riaz 4-41, Haris Sohail 3-1) 6-225 (Ahmed), 7-230 (Amir), 8-244 resuming at 198-5, needing another 119 Hong Kong tour, officials said Afghanistan’s cricket team in Perera had fi gures of 5-98 as Pakistan, Pakistan 2nd innings (198-5) (Shah), 9-244 (Shafiq) for victory. yesterday, in the latest sign of Hong Kong. chasing a tough 317 to win, were bowled Shan Masood c Dickwella b Perera 21 Bowling: Lakmal 14-4-35-1, Gamage 16- Both Shafi q and Ahmed had lucky the team’s rising fortunes. “I am pleased to announce that out for 248 in the second hour of fi fth and Sami Aslam c Mendis b Gamage 1 5-29-1 (nb3), Herath 22.2-3-57-2, Pradeep escapes but Perera fi nally broke the re- Jones, who visited Kabul last I will be Afghanistan interim fi nal day at Dubai stadium. Azhar Ali c Silva b Pradeep 17 11-3-21-1 (1nb), Perera 26-1-98-5, Mendis sistance when Ahmed was caught off a month to commentate on the Head Coach for their Tour to Asad Shafi q fought hard during his 112- Haris Sohail c Dickwella b Perera 10 1-0-7-0 (1nb) miscued sweep at deep fi ne leg by Nuwan Shpageeza Twenty20 tourna- Hong Kong #shouldbefun,” he run knock — his 11th Test hundred — and Asad Shafiq c Mendis b Lakmal 112 Result: Sri Lanka win by 68 runs Pradeep. ment, will take charge for Af- said. together with his skipper Sarfraz Ahmed Babar Azam c Silva b Perera 0 Series: Sri Lanka win 2-0 Ahmed hit fi ve boundaries during his ghanistan’s four-day Interconti- Afghanistan’s cricket team was (68) added 173 for the sixth wicket. Sarfraz Ahmed c Pradeep b Perera 68 Toss: Sri Lanka 130-ball knock. nental Cup game from October catapulted into the elite club of But once their partnership was broken Mohamed Amir lbw b Perera 4 Umpires: Nigel Llong (ENG) and Rich- Shafi q brought up his hundred with a 20-23, and could become a Test nations in June and made Sri Lanka, having already won the fi rst Yasir Shah st Dickwella b Herath 5 ard Kettleborough (ENG) paddled sweep single off Perera and was permanent fixture, the Afghan their landmark Lord’s debut Test by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi, quickly reprieved on the same score when Di- cricket board said. the following month. closed in on the victory. muth Karunaratne dropped a low catch “(The) Afghanistan Cricket Last month, the fifth edition of This is Pakistan’s fi rst series defeat of the same bowler. Board has appointed Dean the six-team Shpageeza tour- at their adopted home of United Arab 2002. close in both matches, but we haven’t Perera then completed his fi ve-wicket Jones, a prominent former nament attracted big-name Emirates (UAE) in seven years. They had Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal, played good cricket and that’s why we haul when he trapped Mohammad Amir Australian cricketer and com- players, coaches and commen- won fi ve of the previous nine, with four whose team lost to India 3-0 in August, have lost the series,” said Ahmed. — unable to bowl in the second innings mentator, as its head coach for tators, along with thousands of drawn. hailed “a team performance”. Shafi q was the ninth man out when he with a shin injury — leg before for four, the four-day Intercontinental fans, lifting spirits in a country Pakistan were forced to play in the “They put their heart and soul in the edged paceman Suranga Lakmal to slip bringing Sri Lanka within three wickets games in Hong Kong,” it said in better known for its grinding neutral venues of the UAE following the practice sessions. where Kusal Mendis took a low diving of victory. a statement. conflict. deadly terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan “It was a tough series against India but catch to end all Pakistan’s hopes of an Yasir Shah was cleaned up by Her- “Both parties will consider a team in Lahore in 2009. we learnt a lot from it. The boys executed upset win. ath while the victory was brought up This is also Pakistan’s fi rst home defeat the game plan really well in this series. Shafi q’s 253-minute knock had 10 when Herath had number 10 Wahab Riaz since losing to South Africa 1-0 in 2007, a We knew when we came today that Dil- boundaries but he again failed to help caught gleefully by Chandimal for one. FOCUS series held on their grounds, and only the ruwan and Rangana (Herath) would do Pakistan cross the line, just like his 137 in Sri Lanka had gained a decisive 220- second whitewash in their history. the job.” the lost cause against Australia at Bris- run lead by scoring 482 in the fi rst in- They previously suff ered a 3-0 defeat Pakistan skipper Ahmed was left ruing bane last year. nings on the back of Karunaratne’s career against Australia, a series also played at a tough series. Pakistan had looked to the overnight best 196 and then bowled Pakistan out Red-faced CSA neutral venues in Colombo and UAE in “It was a tough series for us. We came partnership of Shafi q and Ahmed to for 262. postpones T20 BOTTOMLINE Global League Behrendorff helps Australia level T20 series Reuters franchise owners, we believe Johannesburg that the interest of the league AFP 119-run target proved too little for the Kedar Jadhav and Mahendra Singh should be our first priority. Guwahati, India Indian bowlers to put pressure on the Dhoni, who made 13, then tried to stem We have re-assessed our strat- new batsmen. The right-left batting the rot during their 33-run partnership ricket South Afri- egy and believe that postpon- combination of Henriques and Head but leg-spinner Adam Zampa broke ca’s (CSA) troubled ing the first edition of the T20 ast bowler Jason Behrendorff played sensible cricket to deny the hosts through the duo’s defences. T20 Global League Global League to next year will led an inspired bowling effort any further chance of creating trouble. Zampa got Dhoni stumped on a clas- has been postponed serve us well.” to help Australia down India Henriques hit four fours and four six- sic leg-spinner and then bowled Jadhav Cto 2018 in an embarrassing A number of top interna- by eight wickets in the second es during his 46-ball knock while Head with the googly. climb-down for the organisa- tional players had been signed Twenty20F international and level the also attacked the Indian wrist spinners Hardik Pandya hit a 23-ball 25 to take tion which launched the tour- for the 2017 competition, in- series in Guwahati yesterday with some good footwork. India across the 100-run mark, which nament amid great fanfare in cluding England one-day cap- Behrendorff, playing his second Pacemen Bhuvneshwar Kumar and had seemed tough at 70-7, but the bats- London in June. tain Eoin Morgan and former match after making his debut in Ranchi Jasprit Bhumrah took a wicket each man’s dismissal saw the innings fold on Failure to secure a suitable England batsman Kevin Pi- last week, claimed four wickets to bowl while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep the last ball. broadcast package and a title etersen. The six-week tour- out India for 118 before the visitors Yadav went wicketless for his 46 runs. Pacemen Nathan Coulter-Nile, An- sponsor meant CSA stood to nament, due to feature eight chased down the total with 27 balls to But it was Behrendorff’s left-arm dre Tye and Marcus Stoinis took a wick- lose about $25mn, represent- teams, was scheduled to run spare. pace that set up the match for Australia et each. The final game will be played in ing roughly half of the organi- from Nov. 3-Dec. 16. Moises Henriques, who hit 62 after after the lanky bowler returned impres- Hyderabad on Friday. sation’s cash reserves. Former CSA CEO Haroon being promoted to number three, and sive figures of 4-21. “We have not come to this Lorgat left his job suddenly last Travis Head, who made 48, put together The 27-year-old Behrendorff rattled Brief scores: decision lightly,” acting CSA month citing a clash with the an unbeaten 109-run partnership to the Indian top-order, reducing them to India 118 all out: Jadhav 27, Pandya CEO Thabang Moroe said in a organisation’s board, widely keep the three-match series alive. 27-4 after getting opener Rohit Sharma 25 (Behrendorff 4/21) lost to statement yesterday. reported in South African me- Australia lost two early wickets in- and skipper Virat Kohli, for nought, in Australia 122/2 in 15.3 overs: Hen- “Having discussed it with all dia to be about his role in set- cluding skipper David Warner, but the the first over of the innings. riques 62 not out our stakeholders including the ting up the T20 Global League.